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Day 1


Sea Kayaking Award 17th May - Pass Achieved - Alan, Andy, John, Matt, Tony, Martin & Amanda


It had been in the diary since January but, as they say, time flies and there we were, May 17th and it’s time for our kayak skills course. Peter had organised training with Dorset Kayaking and as the group readied their kayaks, we wondered what the day would bring. One pleasant surprise was the weather, a sunny day was ahead of us despite the pessimistic forecast earlier in the week. The weather was a hot topic of discussion as Peter had made clear we would be getting wet! 


Whilst discussions centred around what would be the best kit to wear our trainer Paul walked through the gate and within minutes had introduced himself and we felt like he was part of the club. It was clear that Paul was very knowledgeable but, as important, was his relaxed style in conveying information and seeking to understand what the group wanted from the day. 


Training started on dry land with pre-paddle kit checks and discussion where emergency equipment was stored and where we would paddle. Time to head to the river and a paddle towards Creeksea, our chosen spot for our training. On the way Paul demonstrated multiple paddle strokes keen to understand how much we knew about each, allowing us to practice and receive his advice on how to make our strokes as effective as possible.


Having refined our paddle skills, we headed back to the club for lunch. The sun was shining and we enjoyed a good chat whilst we refuelled. A few thoughts on clothing again as we all knew we would be getting wet before the day was out!


Once we were back on the water, we practiced contact towing whilst discussing real life situations where this would be useful. One routine we practiced was a scenario where one kayak had a hole and needed repair. Simple! Three paddlers raft up with the fourth with the hole pulling alongside, kayaker slides onto the back of the raft, the kayak on the front of the raft for repair.


With an hour of training left it was time to get wet. Paul gave us some challenges which inevitably led to us taking a dip in the river, after an initial gasp, it wasn’t so bad. Once in we had a good opportunity to practice rescues and getting back into our kayaks. 


As we went ashore, we all agreed what a great day we had had, how useful the training was and committed to practice the skills that we had worked on during the day. 


Thanks to Peter for organising and Paul from Dorset Kayaking www.seakayakdorset.co.uk for being such a great trainer.   Alan 


Day 2

Sea Kayaking Safety and Rescue Certificate Course 18th May - Pass Achieved - Alan, John, Matt, Martin, Jerry, Roger & Mark

 

I was helping out with the junior sailing at the club on Friday evening when one of the parents said to me “Was that you in amongst the people in kayaks off the pontoon on Saturday?” Well, it was! The parent went on to say that it looked really good fun, and there was quite a gathering of people stopped on the quay to watch our activities. He also said that our coach looked really good too. So, it wasn’t just us in the kayaks that enjoyed the course!!!


Although my dad bought my brother and I a kayak each when we were about eleven and twelve, it wasn’t until I went to college in west Wales, aged 18, that I really got into kayaking. There we used the pool every Wednesday evening, spent weekends on white water trips or slaloms, and trained up to be inland instructors.

Aged 21, I moved back to Essex, missed the white-water rivers and so sold my kayak!  Fast forward four and a half decades, and there I was on the Crouch with our coach Paul from Dorset Kayaking. I was actually feeling very apprehensive about the afternoon sessions when we would be getting wet! The thought of capsizing and getting back in the kayak filled me with concern. When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I was never the most agile of people, and remember struggling to clamber over paddles of rafted up kayaks to get back in after a capsize. I only ever did this in the pool, and always somehow managed to roll back up when out on rivers. So now, approaching my mid-sixties I was thinking ‘how the hell am I going to get back in the kayak?’ Well, Paul put us all at ease, and demonstrated techniques that didn’t exist when I learnt. It was all about keeping your centre of gravity low, and climbing on face down too. When I learnt, you used to have to have your own empty kayak rafted up between two other kayaks, with their paddlers holding everything steady. Now, with just one kayaker holding my kayak, I could hook myself in so much more easily than I had expected. What a joy!  Confidence started to grow, as we tried the next activity, where we capsized and pretended to have injured an arm. Here the technique involved half filling the unmanned kayak, then another paddler holding it on its side, and then the one in the water ‘floating’ in before pulling us up. Unbelievable, didn’t think that this would be so easy!


Next up, a self-rescue; so capsize, and get yourself back in your kayak unassisted.  Paul demonstrated, and made it look soooo easy! I thought, I’m never going to be able to do that, couldn’t even do it in a pool when I was 20! I hung back and let others do it first. It did look a struggle. Paul said, rather than climbing up on your kayak, try to swim over it and pull it under you. Alan had a go (we were working as a pair), but struggled to get up on the kayak. Watching him, I thought, if you go closer to the stern (back end) of the kayak, it is less buoyant (narrower), so it might be easier to get on. Suggested this to Alan, he tried it, and it worked. He was soon back in his kayak. My turn….. Shall I try a roll first? Yes, go for it, the ultimate self-rescue!! Not tried it in my sea kayak, and probably only rolled twice in the last 4 decades!  Well, almost made up on the first attempt, but failed, so went back under, repositioned, and tried again, but didn’t get up so far, so back under and bail out. Paul had showed us how to lift and flip the kayak upright spilling any water in it at the same time. Tried this, and it worked first go. So far so good! Now to get back in.  Swim over the back end. Yes, that worked first go. Slide on my chest up the back deck keeping my legs in the water for balance. Got my head to the cockpit and needed to catch my breath, so hung my head inside to keep the centre of gravity low. Alan watching me, thought that the head hanging was because of exhaustion! Head up, carry on sliding forward until my waist was on the foredeck. Now pivot upright and bum lands in the seat. Unbelievable, it works, I was overjoyed!


Final activity of the day was to rescue someone unconscious upside down in the water. Our brave coach Paul was the volunteer. 7 times he capsized, hung upside down and waited for each of us to paddle up to him and pull him up. The sense of responsibility we all felt to get him up quickly….! He did assure us that if we took too long, he would just roll up, but…!

At the end of the day, we all passed, and felt that we had learnt so much. Paul was amazing and gave us plenty of skills to practise in our next pool sessions at Woodham! 


Thank you, Peter, for organising and we now have 7 more club members equipped to come and rescue you if ever needed!!!       Roger 



Photos supplied by: John, Paul & Dee


Seal Watching on the Wallasea Lap

By Dan Rodwell • August 24, 2025
Sunday 24th August Club Paddle - Seal Watching on the Wallasea Lap Taking advantage of the highest weekend tides throughout the summer and low winds, makes lapping Wallasea island a fairly easy paddle for any ability. With sunny skies and hardly any wind, on the day, 5 members of the kayak group set out from a Burnham Sailing Club for a relaxed day on the river. As it was Burnham Week, it was lovely to see the Thames Barge moored up at the Royal Burnham Yacht Club as we headed down river towards the entrance to the River Roach. Heading around Wallasea island in a clockwise direction means that for the first leg of this trip, we need to head against the incoming tide, from Burnham Sailing Club to the entrance of the River Roach is about a 40 minute paddle, made a lot easier with hardly any wind on this day. Once you turn into the River Roach, you are then being pushed with the incoming tide for the rest of the paddle, with the south side of Wallasea Island normally providing any required shelter from incoming winds. This part of the river is very popular for Seal watching and we normally encounter the planned tour boats which leave daily from Priors Pontoon at Burnham and Essex Marina on south side of the River Crouch. Due to the really good weather on the day and as "Promised by Dan", we were able to float by a large group of seals resting on the banks of Foulness Island enjoying the midday sunshine. We then paddled up to Paglesham Boatyard for a well deserved lunch and to stretch our legs. After lunch we made the short paddle up Paglesham Creek, where we meet up with Amanda & Martin who kindly helped us with lifting the boats across the main road leading into Wallasea. We then paddled down Lions Creek and headed back to Burnham Sailing Club as a larger group, before watching some of the Burnham Week racing from the end of the pontoon. After a day of very relaxed weather and hardly any wind, on arrival to BSC we were greeted by increasing winds and a lot of chop at high tide. Overall, another lovely 4 hour paddle around Wallasea and probably our last one for this Summer, we will be back around on the next high tides in November, December and January. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan / Martin

Going "Out, Out", Paddle to Mouth of the River Crouch

By Dan Rodwell • August 18, 2025
Sunday 17th August Club Paddle - Dengie Flats & Foulness Sands Taking advantage of the continued warm summer weather and ideal conditions for a slightly longer paddle, 6 paddlers from the CKC took to the water on Sunday 17th August with one aim, let’s go "Out, Out", as one famous comedian would say. The aim of this paddle was to get outside the banks of the River Crouch and the relative shelter this normally provides us with on most of our shorter paddles. This allowed the group to see some parts of the River Crouch and wider coastline they haven't necessarily seen whilst kayaking before, including the Dengie Flats, Foulness Sands, Offshore Windfarms. The additional benefit of heading directly out of the river in the direction of the Whittaker Channel is that we also get to experience the more bracing conditions heading in from the North Sea, including stronger winds and larger waves. The forecast for the paddle held firm throughout the day with a strong easterly breeze gusting up to 19kn head on, providing some bouncy conditions as we passed the entrance to the River Roach and slowly turned directly into the winds as we headed out the River Crouch. Once level with the mouth of the River Crouch, we could easily see the Dengie Flats and Foulness Sands rising on both sides of the channel. Due to the good progress we made on the first leg of our paddle, we arrived around 1 hour early of low tide and had to adjust our plans due to the Dengie Flats being mostly still under the water at this point. We then crossed over towards the Foulness Sands through some lovely chop, with waves exceeding the height we normally get to experience in the confides of the River Crouch on a regular basis. This was a good skills practice for the group and very fun in the warm and sunny weather, whilst taking advantage of the easterly breeze as most of the larger waves would be head on. After arriving on the south side of the channel we stopped for a lunch break, admiring the views across to Foulness Island, Bradwell, Clacton and the Sandbanks in the near distance. After our lunch break, we headed back to home via the South Shore of the River Crouch, staying close to the banks of the Foulness Island before cutting across to the North Shore just past Horse Shoal Buoy. Being tide and wind assisted for the entire paddle home is a real pleasure, also allowing for some surf conditions close to the shallow waters. Overall, a great 14-mile paddle completed in 4 hours, which included our half our stop on the banks of the channel for lunch. We also had the pleasure of celebrating Sophie’s Birthday and hope she enjoyed marking it with such a nice paddle out on the river. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan / Dee / Sophie

Paddle Points

By Dan Rodwell • August 11, 2025
We’re excited to introduce Paddle Points , a brand-new section on our blog dedicated to all things kayak-related. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of useful information, from choosing the right equipment and mastering essential techniques, to kayak safety tips, maintenance advice, and insider knowledge from seasoned paddlers. We’re kicking things off with a focus on kayak safety and skill-building, sharing a curated collection of rescue and technique videos to help you paddle with more confidence, control, and enjoyment. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced manoeuvres, online kayak training videos are an invaluable resource for paddlers of every level. From quick tips on grip and stance to step-by-step guidance on complex rescues, these expert-led clips bring the coach straight to your screen. Think of it as your own floating instructor, 24/7 Paddle Points available any time you need guidance… and without the soggy shoes. Here’s our recommended learning path: Online Resource Video's T he below resources are publicly available from across YouTube channels, below are selection we believe you may find useful. Getting Past “Tippy Kayak”, and learning to edge your kayak - Click Here Advanced Manoeuvres - Click Here Edging a turn in a sea Kayak - Click Here / Turning tips - edging your kayak - Click Here Learning the reflective brace - Click Here Sea Kayak T Rescue - Click Here Sea Kayak Safety Equipment - Click Here Sea Kayak Safety Line - Click Here Self Rescue Training Drills - Click Here / Self Rescue - Cowboy Style - Click Here / Float Self Rescue - Click Here Worth watching this further video as it’s good example of how to get both boats away from any dangers before attempting the T Rescue style - Click Here Pool Sessions As mentioned before, this is an excellent opportunity to practise a variety of strokes, refine your rescue techniques, and generally sharpen your skills, whether you’re a newcomer to paddling or a seasoned kayaker looking to stay at the top of your game. Future Pool Sessions Planned for CKC Members 20th September - 18th October - 22nd November Cheers Dan / Chris Photos Supplied: Club Archive Photos

South Woodham to Burnham

By Sue Quill • August 10, 2025
Most summer Wednesday evenings I drive from South Woodham to Burnham for our club social paddle. Today I had the luxury of being collected by Rick and Dan with a club boat on the roof for me, and we headed to the shore of the River Crouch on Marsh Farm Road for a weekend paddle. Here we met up with Chris, Alan and Andy. Once on the water, Dan told me to paddle straight then turn and point to Burnham which I did. Then they said ‘Sue turn for a group photo’ I think we all realised in that moment that ‘quick’ turning is not something I have fully mastered yet- work in progress and now at the top of my skills practise list!! We then started our paddle towards Burnham under blue skies with the fast flowing tide and the wind behind us. Having walked that river bank for the last 30 years, seeing it from the water was fantastic, Even more so as we got to Fambridge and saw the house on sticks close to the Ferry Boat Pub. All so pretty. The stretch of water from Fambridge to Bridge Marsh was completely new to me and a real treat. We found a beach to stop off for a drink, snack and a few pics. Once we had taken in the views and had a breather we got back in our kayaks for the last stretch back to the club. Last Wednesday evening was tough on the river but today the sun wind and tide were our friend- a perfect Saturday afternoon with a great bunch, how lucky we are. Cheers Sue Q Photos Supplied: Dan / Sue / Chris

Bridgemarsh Sunset

By Dan Rodwell • July 30, 2025
Wednesday 30th July Weekly Club Paddle on the River Crouch Easy conditions on the River and great summer weather allowed for a quick paddle up to Bridgemarsh island. Once there, the group decided to split into 2 smaller groups. The first group taking a leisurely paddle back to Burnham Sailing Club, whilst the 2nd group continued on further up river. This allowed us to pass beyond black point and into the part of the Crouch River which then faces directly west. Allowing us some playful conditions in the outgoing tide as its rushes around the corner towards Creeksea. We enjoyed one of the summers best sunsets before we turned around and headed back to the sailing club before the last light. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan

The Wallasea Lap

By Dan Rodwell • July 27, 2025
As part of our planned schedule of paddles on the River Crouch in 2025, the Wallasea Lap is one paddle that requires a high tide, at right time. This is required to allow paddlers access to Paglehsham & Lions Creek at the highest point of the tide, allowing them to cross the road which leads onto Wallasea Island. Dan and Alan, both members of the CKC Committee took advantage of good conditions on the day to navigate clockwise around Wallasea. We had a lovely encounter with a group of seals before stopping for a lunch break at Paglesham Boat Yard, before turning down Paglesham Creek and heading home via Lions Creek. We plan to repeat this paddle very soon at the next hightide with a larger group from the Kayak Club. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan

Encounters of the Dutch Kind

By Dan Rodwell • July 23, 2025
Wednesday 23rd July Club Paddle to the River Roach More lovely summer weather lead to hot and calm conditions on the River Crouch, allowing the club paddle to head down river. As we past the entrance to the River Roach we noticed the outline of a lovely sailing boat in the distance, so decided to explore further. On arrival, we noticed the Sailing Vessel was from Holland and was visiting the area as part of a larger sail across the channel and surrounding coastline. The boat is called "Willem Johannes", she is a beautiful Bronsveen Cutter, with a crew of 2 plus their dog Rif. It was lovely to stop by and have a quick chat with the crew of the boat before heading back to the Sailing Club for Food and Drinks. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan

Calm Waters

By Dan Rodwell • July 16, 2025
Wednesday 16th July Club Paddle - Creeksea / Essex Marina More lovely summer weather lead to hot and calm conditions on the River Crouch, allowing the club paddle past Creeksea towards the entrance to Bridgemarsh marina. We then split into 2 groups for the return journey back to the sailing club, the first group went back via the north shore whilst the 2nd group took the south shore and cut via Essex Marina, they then cut across the River Crouch through the moorings before turning back to the pontoon at Burnham Sailing Club. Fun conditions when you have a strong outgoing tide but zero wind, allowing the river to look almost perfectly flat like a mirror but with the added benefit of allowing you to practice ferry gliding across the river sideways in the fast flowing current heading back out to sea. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan

Norfolk Summer Camp 2025

By Dan Rodwell • July 11, 2025
Friday 11th to 14th July Norfolk Summer Camp 2025 This years summer camp was based a Bureside Holiday Park, allowing easy access to the Norfolk Broads for a weekend of paddles and social catch-ups for member of the kayak Club whilst away from home. We paddle over the 2 middle days of the camp, first day up to Hickling broad, stopping for lunch before heading back with an additional stop a Potter Heigham for ice cream. For the 2nd days paddle, we returned to a favourite paddle route from 2 years back to Ranworth Broad. Never a disappointing paddle as lots to see on route, whilst avoiding the tourist day boats, Norfolk sailing boats and many other types of water based craft that operate on the Broads daily. As we entered Ranworth Broad, we was overtaken by the Tourist Paddle Steamer which leaves from Horning slightly further up river, Jerry and Dan had great fun riding in its wake as it entered the broad. We then all stopped for a lovely lunch before exploring on foot a local church. As you'll see from the pictures, once at the top of the church spire we stopped for a group photo. I have no idea why I'm still wearing my buoyancy aid at the top of a church as I'm not sure it was providing any protection at that height. Big Thank you to John for arranging the weekend accommodation and pub bookings, plus Adrian for guiding us on both of these paddles across the weekend. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan

Tonbridge to Tea Pot Island

By Andy Coppin • June 28, 2025
The not so famous five of Adrian, Roger, Darryl, Dan and Andy gathered at the start point in Tonbridge with an unusually full car park, due to a park run that was taking place. There was a parking warden present handing out fines, we spotted Adrian chatting to him and convinced him successfully that he didn't need to pay for parking as he was just dropping off his boat. We started the trip just after a troop of Scouts with about 7 Canadian canoes who were going to the same location, with a nights camping in between. Adrian was on his own in his Candian, Roger in his canoe, fresh with newly applied gaffer tape. Dan in his orange river boat, which is Adrian's favourite colour. Darryl and Andy were in hired river boats. The conditions were perfect, as usual the BBC weather reporting dark red danger on their map, you won't survive message but that wasn't the case. It was medium cloud and a nice breeze along the river. We arrived at the first weir and as most times the shute was shut due to low water. After the portage we continued merrily on our way. We carried along and stopped for lunch at the 3rd weir. One of us had decided it would be good to freeze a bottle of lemonade so it was still cold for the journey and would keep their food cold. Unfortunately much to everyone's amusement it was still solid ice when we stopped. You had to be there. As we began to leave the lunch site the flotilla of scout boats turned up. Their leaders were contemplating whether or not it was safe for the troop to go down the shute graded 3. I heard their leader say "let's watch the professionals", luckily Adrian was first on hand and of course descended it impeccably. All the scout boats followed without fault, the kids were clearly having a great time. We carried on in front of the scouts who had kindly let us go first. We got to the 4th weir which we always forget is coming up and then on to the final big weir, which is only graded a 3 but should frankly be a 7. We all got down safely although Rogers canoe was beginning to show some signs of distress with loose tape beginning to depart the hull. We carried on to the end of paddle at Tea Pot Island, where unfortunately we had some bad news. The ice cream shop was shut. Fortunately we were able to pull Adrian out of his disappointment for the drive home. So a great day, we learnt lots. Adrian is a diplomat, who knew! And although Roger's canoe was much lighter than when it started the day you can build back better with gaffer tape. And we should always check if the ice cream shop is open. This day was less about the paddling and more about the experience of being together and the laughs we had along the way. We all got through it relatively dry, with some wobbles on shutes but everyone stayed the right side up. Cheers Andy Photos Supplied: Dan
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